Introduction
From some of the world's mightiest rivers to coastlines dotted with national parks and some of the world’s great cities, North America is tailor-made for a cruise holiday.
For something of the historical, there’s the mighty Mississippi. America’s longest river winds lazily between grand plantation homes and cities alive with musical heritage, linking no fewer than 10 states. You can still trace its fabled course on a Victorian paddleboat today. Or, why not follow in the footsteps of the early pioneers, heading out into Washing State’s wild remotes to explore the Columbia & Snake.
However, if you’re out for true adventure, head north. And, there’s not much latitude left when you reach Alaska, with expedition cruises bringing you alongside pods of whales to take in great glaciers, towering mountains and waterfall-dotted forests. Then, after stops at frontier towns and indigenous settlements, you’ll weave among forested islands to arrive back in Canada, home of the Rocky Mountaineer. Right among the world’s finest rail journeys, it skirts giant lakes, plunges through cragged gorges and hops rushing rivers on trestle bridges to summit the majestic Canadian Rockies – it’s the perfect add-on to a luxury cruise.
